“Helen Mirren is smashing. Her Majesty will see you now,” raves TheNew York Times. Following her Academy Award for the 2006 film The Queen, Mirren revisits the role of Queen Elizabeth II, earning both the Olivier and the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play.

For 63 years, Queen Elizabeth II has met with each of her 12 prime ministers in a private weekly meeting, known as “The Audience.” No one knows what they discuss, not even their spouses.

From the old warrior Winston Churchill to the Iron Lady Margaret Thatcher and from Tony Blair right up to today’s meetings with David Cameron, the Queen advises her prime ministers on all matters both public and personal. Through these private audiences, we see glimpses of the woman behind the crown and witness the moments that shaped a monarch.

The institute’s broadcast of The Audience was originally recorded live in London’s West End by Matthew Byam Shaw for Playful Productions, Robert Fox and Andy Harris in 2013. Launched in 2009, National Theatre Live broadcasts world-class theatre productions to over 2,000 cinemas in more than 50 countries.

Tickets are on sale now at miac.mercyhurst.edu, or by calling the box office at 814-824-3000. Prices are: Adult, $18; Senior/Student $15; and Youth, $10.